Seven Worst Fire Incidents in the Philippines

Introduction

• Philippines known for disastrous typhoons
• Also had significant fire incidents with high death tolls and extensive property damage

7. Ozone Disco Tragedy

• Date: March 16, 1996
• Location: Quezon City
• Popular weekend hangout for college students
• Fire started at disc jockey’s booth
• The only exit opened inward, leading to a stampede
• Casualties: 162 dead, over 90 injured
• Investigations: Charges against several people; in 2014, seven officials found guilty for anti-graft and corruption

6. The Wig Factory in Marikina

• Duration: Fire lasted 3 hours
• Casualties: 42 dead, 79 injured
• Highly flammable materials caused rapid fire spread
• Fire exits consumed by fire, trapping workers
• Some workers jumped from upper floors, sustaining fatal injuries

5. Orphanage House in Manila

• Date: December 4, 1998
• Location: Paco, Manila
• Caused by faulty electrical wiring
• Time: 2 AM, most people were asleep
• Casualties: 28 dead, including many orphans
• Two children went missing, presumed dead
• Fire happened a day before a Christmas party

4. Manor Hotel Tragedy

• Date: August 18, 2001
• Location: Quezon City
• Fire broke out on the 3rd floor, around 4:30 AM
• Smoke prevented guests from leaving rooms
• Windows had metal grills, violating safety standards
• Lacked other safety measures (sprinklers, alarms, emergency lights)
• Casualties: 75 dead, 35 injured
• Many casualties from a Christian crusade event by Don Clowers Ministries

3. Kentex Footwear Factory

• Date: May 13, 2015
• Location: Valenzuela
• Welding sparks ignited chemicals stored near entrance
• Fire took 5 hours to extinguish
• Casualties: 74 dead, mainly found on second floor
• Working conditions blamed; Mayor charged but later dismissed

2. NCCC Mall Davao Fire Incident

• Date: Two days before Christmas
• Location: Davao
• Short circuit at the fabric section ceiling
• Fire lasted 32 hours
• Casualties: 38 workers, mainly call center agents
• Lack of functioning sprinkler system and turned-off control valves

1. MV Doña Paz Fire Tragedy

• Date: December 20, 1987
• Passenger ship collided with an oil tanker MT Vector
• Fire spread quickly; oil in water appeared to be burning
• Casualties: Approx. 4,000 dead, world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster
• Lack of life jackets, overcapacity (2,000 passengers unlisted)

Conclusion

• Shows the impact of fire safety violations
• Highlights the importance of adhering to safety regulations
• A wake-up call for improved fire safety measures